Glacier National Park in northwest Montana and Waterton Lakes National Park in southern Alberta celebrated their centennials this summer. This is a very special place where the American and Canadian Rockies shake hands, and visitors from afar have enjoyed its serenity for decades. In addition to the scenic beauty and cluster of fabulous hotels scattered throughout the park, there is also a terrific nine-hole golf course at Glacier Park Lodge.
The course was built by the Great Northern Railway in 1928 and named by Chief Earl Old Person and called “Oom-coo-ska-pes-che,” or Big Green Blanket. The Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course is the oldest grass greens golf course in Montana and resides within the boundary of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. All 9 holes are named after former chiefs of the Blackfeet Nation.
Featuring magnificent views, undulating greens, and wide fairways, the course is open late May-September, weather permitting. This long par 36 course measures 3,600 yards from the men’s tees. As you would expect, there is epic beauty on every hole, complements of Mother Nature.
In addition, there’s also a family-friendly pitch ‘n putt golf course. This 27-hole course is a great way to spend an afternoon. The cost is only $10 and includes a souvenir golf ball. Chief Earl Old Person named this course “Ee-nah-coo-ska-pes-chee,” which means Little Green Blanket.
In addition to experiencing the Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course, there are a number of things not to be missed. The must-do adventures include the following:
Take a scenic ride back in time aboard the classic vintage red buses. There are full-day and half day departures daily from most park lodges, inns, and hotels. You can also rent you own red bus for a private charter tour of the park.
Raft on wild and scenic rivers bordering the park.
Relax and unwind Montana style with treatments from Remedies Day Spa.
Sample culinary delights during Afternoon Tea or Après Fondue.
Browse unique gift shops or take an evening boat cruise.
Saddle up for one of a dozen unique trail rides.
For more information on Glacier National Park, visit http://www.glacierparkinc.com.
Rick Stedman is an avid golfer, RVer, and writer who lives in Olympia, Washington. Rick writes a golf column, “The RV Golfer,” which is published every month in rvlife.com. He can be reached at rstedman@gmail.com.
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